The surname Rudd is derived from the Old English root "rud-," a component in the words "rudig," which means "ruddy," and "ruddoc," which means "red-breast." The surname was originally a nickname for a ruddy complexioned or red-haired person, or perhaps for someone who habitually wore the color red. The surname Rudd may also be a local name derived from residence "at the rood;" that is, residence near a crossroads.

Rudd Early Origins

The surname Rudd was first found in Carmarthenshire (Welsh: Sir Gaerfyrddin), located in Southwest Wales, one of thirteen historic counties and presently one of the principal area in Wales, where they held a family seat from very ancient times; some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Rudd Spelling Variations

Rudd Spelling Variations

The Welsh have an extremely large amount of spelling variations of their native surnames to their credit. As time progressed, the old Brythonic names of Wales were recorded in English, which was especially problematic since the English language had extreme difficulty recording the highly inflected sounds of Cymraeg. Spelling variations were, however, also carried out according to an individual's design: a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations could be indicated by spelling variations of one's name. The spelling variations of the name Rudd have included Rudd, Wrudd, Rutt, Rud, Rut, Roud, Routt, Ruttle and others.

Rudd Early History

Rudd Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rudd research. Another 254 words (18 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Rudd History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rudd Early Notables (pre 1700)

Rudd Early Notables (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early Rudd Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rudd In Ireland

Rudd In Ireland

Some of the Rudd family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 206 words (15 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

Many Welsh families joined their Scottish and Irish neighbors during the late 1800s and early 1900s in seeking refuge in North Ameri ca. Like the Irish and Scottish, many Welsh anxiously awaited the work, freedom, and opportunities that they believed lay in North America. Those who did journey over to the United States and what became known as Canada often realized those dreams, but only through much toil and perseverance. Whenever and however these Welsh immigrants arrived in North America, they were instrumental in the creation of the industry, commerce, and cultural heritage within those two developing nations. In the immigration and passenger lists a number of early immigrants bearing the name Rudd were found:

Rudd Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Nathaniel Rudd, who landed in Maryland in 1661

John Rudd, who landed in Maryland in 1670

Mary Rudd, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1682

Elizabeth Rudd settled in Delaware in 1682

John and Abraham Rudd, who settled in Virginia in 1698

Rudd Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

William Rudd, who landed in Jamaica in 1706

Thomas Rudd, who arrived in South Carolina in 1711-1712

Rudd Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Charles Rudd, aged 27, arrived in New York in 1812

Grace Rudd, who arrived in New York, NY in 1816

Amos, Isaac, Michael, Richard, Thomas, and William Rudd all arrived in Philadelphia between 1775 and 1850

Joseph Rudd, English convict from Middlesex, who was transported aboard the "Almorah" on April 1817, settling in New South Wales, Australia[1]CITATION[CLOSE]State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Almorah voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1817 with 180 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/almorah/1817

James John Rudd arrived in Kangaroo Island aboard the ship "Buffalo" in 1836 [2]CITATION[CLOSE]State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) HMS BUFFALO 1836. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1836Buffalo.htm

Rudd Historic Events

Rudd Historic Events

Mr. Edwin A Rudd (b. 1917), English Ordnance Artificer 4th Class serving for the Royal Navy from Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, who sailed into battle on the HMS Hood and died on 24th May 1941 in the sinking

The Rudd Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Rudd Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.